Worms for Lunch? by Leonid Gore

Worms for Lunch? by Leonid Gore was published in 2011. This cute book has cut outs on each page and begins with a mouse asking who eats worms for lunch. It shows a worm on a leaf with a hole eaten into it. You turn the leaf and it becomes cheese which is what a mouse eats for lunch. 

Each page focuses on what a different animal eats for lunch. The last animal is a fish and asks, "And what do fish like?" We have our worm from the first page back again with a surprise ending. The illustrations are brightly colored paint reminiscent of Eric Carle's style. 

I think the grandkids will like this one. It is really fun. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you!

 Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

 The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver was published in 1998 and is the story of colonizers in Kilanga on the African continent.  Nathan Price takes his family to Belgian occupied Congo, and the story is told from the point of the view of his wife, Orleanna, and his daughters, Rachel, Leah, Ada, and Ruth May. 

I loved this story, but at times, I wanted to smack Nathan Price and rescue his family from his dogma and bullying. This story made me wonder if we give enough consideration to the hands that provide our needs for us. It also made me wonder if we could eliminate war by getting know each other better and stopped trying to make those around us be like us but accepted each other for who we are. It made me think about what we as individuals create and what the earth creates. 

Quotes I liked:

"If God had amused himself inventing the lilies of the field, he surely knocked His own socks off with the African parasites" (76).

"Given my own circumstances, I find that anything can turn out to belong nearly anywhere" (409).

". . . to trust in Creation, which is made fresh daily and doesn't suffer in translation" (525).

This book is beautifully written, and makes me question why we think we have the right to try to change others when they are fine just the way they are. Ada was my favorite character.  

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Story Thieves by James Riley

 Story Thieves by James Riley was published in 2015 and is the first in a five book series. I listened to the audio version and it was well narrated by Kirby Heyborne. Kayana read this book and enjoyed it, so it it has the teen seal of approval. This book reminds me of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke because its it about book characters that have entered our world. 

Owen, the main character is bored and wishes he could have an exciting life like characters in books. When he sees his classmate, Bethany, climb out of a book, he is determined to find out how to get inside a book. Bethany is half fictional and is looking for her father who is somewhere inside a book. 

Owen agrees to keep Bethany's secret, but only if she'll take him inside his favorite series. Unfortunately, Owen may not be able to make it out of the book alive. 

This story has a lot of fun adventure. The pages have a lot of white space, which if you've read this blog before, you know I love that in books written for young readers as it helps them track better. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce was published in 2019 and is a fun adventure told with comics and prose. I listened to the audio version and it was done like a play with a different voice actor for each character. I think any young reader who likes adventure, wizards, dragons, and castles will enjoy this story. 

Max wants to be knight, but that is not likely as Max's uncle is a troubadour - a traveling actor, and children must be whatever their guardians are. When Uncle Budrick is taken prisoner by the evil King Gastley, Max must come to his rescue. Luckily Max makes some friends along the way to help the quest. 

I have some grandkids and students who will enjoy this book. Vincent, my grandson, is currently reading this, and each times he picks it up, he says "I'm going on a legendary adventure." 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

2022 NICU Book Project Update

Our NICU book project is beginning its eighth year! My plan of doing a one time donation to honor my twins who did not survive pregnancy is now eight years old. We have placed thousand of books with families who often have an extended stay in the NICU. Each family gets a packet of five books with an insert that explains the importance of reading to their babies. 

I hope that by giving each baby five books, their literary palate will be awakened and they will seek out books, learning, and knowledge for the rest of their lives.

Angie has received emails from her coworkers saying that this is a much needed project. All of this does my heart good. I feel like the lives of our little ones matter and that they are blessing the lives of others.

Last year we placed 973 books with our babies thanks to our donors who helped me out by donating 492 books. That helped me reach twice as many babies as I could have done alone. We were able to give nearly 200 babies the gift of literacy. I appreciate every donation we receive - one book or one hundred books. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book project registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. 

You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. 

If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Braced by Alyson Gerber

Braced by Alyson Gerber was published in 2017 and is the story of Rachel, a girl with scoliosis who needs to wear a back brace 23 hours a day. This story covers Rachel's experience of trying to play soccer, fit in, do all the things she wants to do and wear a back brace. 

Rachel's mom also had to wear a brace, but her brace didn't work and she needed surgery. The brace causes a rift in Rachel's relationship with her mom as comparisons in their experiences are made. 

Rachel has good friends, but her friendships are changed by her needing to wear her brace. I like how the characters in this story grow, how the reader can see what it takes to be a good friend, and how kindness is always a good choice. This story shows how hard it is to feel like you belong when you are a teen. 

I like that the story shows how to set healthy boundaries, and how the things we go through often help us know ourselves. 

 Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book project registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy was published in 2019 and is a quiet, kind, and gentle book. My only complaint with the book is the font used. I prefer a font that is more user friendly - especially for students with learning differences. 

This book could be used as journaling prompts. 

Quotes I like:

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" "Kind," said the boy. 

"Do you have a favorite saying?" asked the boy.

 "If at first you don't succeed, have some cake."

"I see; does it work?"

"Every time."

"Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams."

The entire book has so many great quotes. I did cry when I read some of them - probably because I needed the words in my life right now. 

I love the watercolor pictures in the book and think it will make a great addition to my classroom. 

 Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

 Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison was first published in 1947, yet it is still applicable to today. Ellison tells the story of an unnamed black man who wins a scholarship to college. While there, he discovers that what he hoped was true was not, and he finds himself in New York on a new journey of discovery. 

Goodreads blurb: ". . . immediately hailed as a masterpiece, Invisible Man is one of those rare novels that have changed the shape of American literature. For not only does Ralph Ellison's nightmare journey across the racial divide tell unparalleled truths about the nature of bigotry and its effects on the minds of both victims and perpetrators, it gives us an entirely new model of what a novel can be.

As he journeys from the Deep South to the streets and basements of Harlem, from a horrifying "battle royal" where black men are reduced to fighting animals, to a Communist rally where they are elevated to the status of trophies, Ralph Ellison's nameless protagonist ushers readers into a parallel universe that throws our own into harsh and even hilarious relief. Suspenseful and sardonic, narrated in a voice that takes in the symphonic range of the American language, black and white, Invisible Man is one of the most audacious and dazzling novels of our century."

This book is a work of art, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I listened to the audio version that was most expertly narrated by Joe Morton who acted out every character and made the journey all the more enjoyable. I found this book thought provoking as it shows the effects of racism on all. This book is worth reading or listening to. Five stars.

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

This Is My America by Kim Johnson

This Is My America by Kim Johnson was published in 2020, and from the first page to the last, this story is compelling. The story begins with Tracy's letter to Innocence X on behalf of her father who was convicted of a double murder and is facing the death penalty in 275 days. Innocence X is a group that helps those who feel they were wrongfully convicted. 

Tracy's brother, Jamal, is a runner who will get to go to college on scholarship, but before that can happen, he is accused of murdering a girl in his town. He goes on the run because he doesn't trust the legal system in their Texas town. 

Tracy's little sister was born after their dad was arrested, so she has only known him since he has been a prisoner. 

Tracy continues to write to Innocence X, but they don't respond to her. She has the help of two friends: Dean - the white son of her mother's employers, and Quinton - the son of the man who was killed being arrested by police as her father's accomplice in the double homicide. 

As this mystery unfolds, Kim Johnson tackles systemic racism, bias, the complications and unfairness of the prison system, and the complications that can arise in friendship. So much in this book reminds me of the poetry of Langston Hughes and his words, "I, too, am America."

I love the cover of this book and all the details it contains: a girl with red and blue and stars and stripes woven in to her hair. She has one earring that is a handcuff and one earring the shape of Texas. I look forward to recommending this book to my students. Great read. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you!

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor was published in 2018. I listened to this book because I loved Connor's book Waiting for Normal. This book is every bit as good. 

Mason Buttle is a tall and large young teen who has a sweating disorder - he sweats a lot, and he also has reading and writing learning differences. He is bullied and tormented by the popular Matty and other boys on the lacrosse team. Mason lives on an apple orchard, and his uncle has been selling parts of it off for development. 

Mason has troubles. The police want to find out what happened to his best friend Benny who turned up dead in his apple orchard, and now Mason's new best friend is missing, and just like Benny, Mason is the last person to see him alive. 

Mason is such a well written character with depth and growth. The other characters in the book are also well written, and the story flows well. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

We've had several donations lately to our book project. 

Britney Shaw donated these:

Grace Olsen donated $60, and I purchased the following 78 books:

Primary Children's Hospital donated 40 books and 20 teddy bears to go with them. 

 As always, thank you all for the donations!

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was published in 2010, and I finally listened to the well narrated audio version. I enjoyed this story for many reasons. It brings up a lot of discussion points about who really owns tissue samples, who should own them, and who should get financial compensation for them. 

It's a shame that Lacks' family was never compensated for the most famous cell-line ever. Her family was so poor, they lost their mother, and should have received something. You can argue that research would stop if researchers had to pay, but for these important cells, her family should have received compensation. 

I enjoyed the story of Lacks' family and felt Skloot represented them in an unbiased way. I also enjoyed how she revealed the science behind the person and how far science has progressed since Henrietta's diagnosis of cervical cancer. I am thankful for the research that she made possible and for all the lives that have benefited. It's a shame it couldn't have helped her or her family. 

I gave this book 5 stars. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

My friend, Grace, donated books to our NICU book project. Thank you, Grace. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Tracing Stars by Erin E Moulton

Tracing Stars by Erin E Moulton was published in 2012 and is the story of Indie Lee Chickory. She doesn't fit in at school or in the town. She loves fish and has a pet lobster. She doesn't mind that she smells bad from fish heads and guts, but everyone at school teases her because of it. 

She wants to fit in to please her sister, but she finds giving up on her values may be hard when she befriends another misfit. She tries to keep her new friendship a secret so that she can be accepted by her sister Bebe, and her friends. Owen, Indie's new friend, is a well-written character who is such a good friend and good person. 

I really liked how this book portrayed kids this age. I liked that they were struggling with self-awareness and awkwardness. I liked the growth that was portrayed in the characters. The cover of this book is beautiful and there is plenty of white space on the pages. I also liked that no parents were harmed in the creation of this story. 

 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Hidden by Helen Frost

Hidden by Helen Frost was published in 2011. This story is written in verse, and I found the story compelling enough to read in one sitting. 

The story begins from Wren's point of view as an eight-year-old who was unintentionally kidnapped by a car thief. Her sense of fear is well written. 

From page 15, "I was shaking.                                                                                                                                                         Trying hard not to cry.                                                                                                                               How could I sleep                                                                                                                                                  in the crowded boat?                                                                                                                                   I was thirsty.                                                                                                                                                    Hungry.                                                                                                                                                            I had to pee."

In the next section we get to hear the point of view of the kidnapper's daughter. Her story is also written in verse, and pay attention to the end word of each line because they let the reader know what else was happening. I found this cleverly crafted. 

Darra is upset that her abusive father has been sent to jail, which some readers may find unbelievable, but I understand the desire to have a father in your life even if he isn't a good father. 

Later, the girls meet at camp and things become even more interesting as they both have trauma they act out. 

I think teen readers will like this book, and I will add a copy to my classroom. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Your Name by Makoto Shinkai

Recently Matt (my youngest son) has introduced me to light novels. Light novels are generally written before the author/artist writes the Manga. I enjoy watching anime, but I'm not a fan of manga because for me it takes so much work to decode all the pictures. I love words, so light novels are right up my alley. I definitely want to get some of these for my classroom. 

Your Name by Makoto Shinkai was published in 2016 and has a manga and anime that go with it. This story has two main characters: Mitsuha, a high school girl who lives in a small mountain town, and Taki, a high school boy living in Tokyo. 

They begin to have what they think are dreams about each other even though they've never met - except they aren't dreaming. They are switching places. These switches are sometimes comedic and sometimes confusing for both of them. Will they ever be able to meet in person, or will the stars get in their way? I loved the symbolism of threads and cords in this novel and how the author wove everything together. 

I enjoyed reading about Japanese culture and look forward to visiting there sometime when they reopen to tourism. 

Quotes I liked: "Joinin' threads is a called musubi. The passage of time is musubi. It's the name for our god, and the god's power. It describes the braided cords we make, divine acts, and the flow of time itself" (59). 

"Puttin' anything in your body is also called musubi. What you put in your body binds to your soul. . ." (60).

The anime that goes with this book is beautiful, so if you get a chance to watch it, do. 

 Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan was published in 2017 and is one of the books I purchased a few months ago when I was looking for books by POC. I really liked this book about Amina, a girl who plays the piano and sings beautifully, but she is afraid to sing a solo. 

She has two good parents and an older brother. Her family is Muslim, and I enjoyed learning more about their faith. While their faith is important to her family, this isn't a book about religion. This is a book about friendships, change, growing up, and learning to be brave in hard situations. 

This book is beautifully written and has wonderful cover art. I look forward to reading Khan's other novels. 

Read to a child today even if that child is you. 

Link to our NICU book registry to donate books to babies in the newborn intensive care unit so their parents can read to them while they grow. You can also donate gently used books to our project by sending them to me or to Angie. Email me for a mailing address. We can use both English and Spanish books. If you have a graduate of the NICU, or if you have a baby whose life you would like to honor by donating books to this project, let me know, and I can make a book plate with their name for the books you donate.